About this project

$22,230

pledged of $20,000 goal

223

backers

THE FINAL COUNTDOWN

Hey Team WM!

Thank you for everything you've done to support this project. Because of you, we've reached our Kickstarter goal! What's more, we still have 24 hours to grow the team, and every extra dollar helps. If each backer found one new person to pledge support, we could begin editing the film as soon as we finish production in Missouri. The sooner we get Walking Man edited, the sooner the rest of the world gets to see the film that you made possible.

Again, thank you for all that you've done to get us to this point. Let's go make a movie.

Best,

Eric & Josh

FUNDING GOALS

Our total budget is $82k, but if our Kickstarter can reach these goals, we'll be able to put together a first cut of the movie at bare minimum costs.

NEW REWARDS

Thank you for spreading the word about Walking Man! As a special thanks for your generous support, we're excited to announce two new rewards.

TEAM WALKING MAN WRISTBAND - for every member who pledges $60 or more.

TEAM WALKING MAN PEDOMETER - for every member who pledges $150 or more.

THE STORY

FROM THE OUTSIDE looking in, Mark Norwine has lived the ideal American life. But he was living with a secret: Mark had lived his entire life battling a misdiagnosed mental illness.

On April 26, 2013, Mark will walk across Missouri by way of the state's historic Katy Trail. This walk is more than just a literal one; it is all part of Mark's journey to process his struggles with childhood bullying, depression, and bipolar disorder. As he travels from Kansas City to St. Louis, Mark will relive his story with friends, family, and those he meets along the road.

Walking Man is more than one man's story.

Mark is emblematic of so many others struggling with mental illness. After our initial shoot in Missouri, we will interview mental health experts and advocates in order to gain insight into how broader health, social, cultural, and political issues influenced Mark's perception of his own mental illness and how these issues affect the national conversation.

Mark's walk will end on May 11, 2013 at a candlelit vigil for those who have lost someone that suffered from mental illness. This last leg of his journey will be taken side-by-side with friends and strangers alike.

...a fitting end, to what would otherwise be a lonely walk.

Mark talks to students about identifying signs of mental illness and suicide

WHAT WE'VE DONE SO FAR

Developed a film treatment, which will act as a narrative roadmap throughout the filming process.

Negotiated discounts of up to 50% for equipment.

Received a number of equipment donations -- including cameras.

But there is more to do! And that's why we need all of you.

WHAT YOUR HELP MEANS

BY JOINING OUR TEAM you ensure financing of Walking Man's initial production, which takes place from April 26 - May 11, 2013.

Because of your contribution, we will be able to build on what has already been accomplished. This includes:

Ensuring our Sound Operator and Director of Photography have the equipment (lenses, microphones, etc.) needed to make a great film.

Covering all airfare, lodging, and meals for our hard-working crew.

Purchasing hard drives so that our footage is safely stored.

Paying a top-notch crew to make sure the film sounds and looks as great as we know it can.

OUR TOTAL BUDGET ESTIMATE IS $82,000.

Reaching the base goal of $20,000 guarantees the Missouri portion of the movie can be shot for bare minimum costs. We would love to reach our Missouri shooting budget, $30,000. Every additional dollar contributes to interviews and the post-production process: editing, collecting additional footage, music, sound mixing, and everything else that goes into finishing any movie.

These finishing costs also include preparing the movie for submission and premieres at major film festivals across the U.S. and around the world.

We firmly believe in the power of Mark's story. The central theme of Walking Man coincides with the realities of filmmaking:

After graduating from Columbia College Chicago's film school, Salzberg began his career interning with directors Ridley Scott and Alexander Payne. He went on to co-write and edit Blood Equity, a documentary about the physical and mental health consequences of professional football - featured on HBO's Inside the NFL.

Since then, Salzberg has worked in post production on several movies, including Adam McKay's Step Brothers, The Other Guys and Judd Apatow's latest, This is 40. Most recently, he edited two independent films, the latest an Official Selection of The 2013 Sundance Film Festival.

ERIC NORWINE - Producer

Norwine's passion for documentary filmmaking was formed while studying at The University of Missouri's Journalism School and eventually The University of Southern California's film school. He produced six short films at USC and would go on to graduate Summa Cum Laude.

Norwine interned with Will Ferrell’s production company and continues to work with his comedy website, Funny or Die. His feature film credits include Fun Size and an upcoming independent film edited by Salzberg.

Risks and challenges

Every documentary has its challenges, but Walking Man is very fortunate to have an incredible support network.

We have kept our budget as slim as possible, received equipment discounts and donations, and assembled a fantastic crew who have agreed to lowered rates in order to make the best film possible.

While the shoot this spring is a major part of this film, documentaries are made in the editing room. We plan on keeping a tight schedule and have a talented editing crew that is committed to finishing Walking Man in order to make this year's festival deadlines.

FAQ

Kickstarter is all or nothing. If Walking Man fails to reach its goal, all backers are refunded, but that means Walking Man will lose all of the pledges made. We don't want that to happen so keep spreading the word!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $25 or more
About $25

The above, plus: exclusive access to behind the scenes content throughout the making of the film and a FIRST-LOOK at the official Walking Man trailer upon its completion. Be a part of the filmmaking process from start to finish!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $50 or more
About $50

All of the above, plus: A DIGITAL DOWNLOAD of the film! Immediately following the film's completion, you'll receive a link to a password protected download of the movie. This is your chance to see Walking Man before the rest of the world!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $150 or more
About $150

All of the above, plus: A CUSTOMIZED WALKING MAN PEDOMETER (see picture). A great way to track the miles that you walk, jog, or run. Or, to simply serve as a reminder of how thankful we are for your support.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $250 or more
About $250

All of the above, plus: A medium-sized Walking Man POSTER with a special, personalized thank you note from the filmmakers. You'll also have access to a digital download of the Walking Man ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $500 or more
About $500

All of the above, plus: Instead of the medium-sized poster, we will send you the OFFICIAL FULL SIZE Walking Man poster signed by the filmmakers. To sweeten the deal, the filmmakers will PERFORM A SONG all about you that will be posted on walkingmanmovie.com. Not kidding. When the time comes, we will ask you to send us 5 facts about yourself, which we will use as inspiration for our song to you.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $1,000 or more
About $1,000

THE FILMMAKER AWARD: Congrats, you've just landed your first Hollywood screen credit. In addition to the items above, you have earned a SPECIAL THANKS in the Walking Man end credits. Brag to your friends! Start an IMDB page!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $2,500 or more
About $2,500

THE MOVIE STAR AWARD: You're a star! For your generous donation, you'll not only receive all of the above, but will also have the opportunity to walk the last mile alongside Mark in St. Louis on May 11, 2013. The last mile is the climactic image of the film, meaning this just might be your big onscreen debut!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $5,000 or more
About $5,000

THE RED CARPET AWARD: In addition to the previous awards, you will also receive 2 TICKETS to the Los Angeles or St. Louis PREMIERE of Walking Man (travel accommodations not provided). Plus, an invitation for you and your guest to dine with the filmmakers on premiere night. The perfect date -- dinner and a movie that you helped make!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $7,500 or more
About $7,500

THE PRODUCER AWARD: Congratulations, you're now an ASSOCIATE PRODUCER of Walking Man. As a token of our thanks, you'll receive all of the above and an onscreen credit and 2 TICKETS to Walking Man's FESTIVAL PREMIERE (travel accommodations not provided).

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $10,000
About $10,000

THE HERO AWARD: Congratulations, you can now call yourself a hero and an EXECUTIVE PRODUCER. You will receive all of the aforementioned awards and will be credited as an executive producer of Walking Man. In order for you to bask in all of your glory, we will fly you to the Los Angeles, St. Louis or festival premiere (accommodations not provided).